State Veterans Home at Murfreesboro Ranked Among Highest by U.S. News

NASHVILLE - U.S. News & World Report’s annual ranking of Best Nursing Homes gave the state veterans home in Murfreesboro the highest ranking of five stars overall in this year’s evaluation.

More than 15,500 homes are rated and profiled on the U.S. News website, and the Murfreesboro facility is among less than 12 percent received a five-star overall rating in all four quarters of 2011. U.S. News recognizes top-rated homes in all 50 states, offering guidance to families and healthcare providers.

“The state veterans homes continue to receive impressive marks from healthcare officials, surveyors and consumer groups,” said Bob Tuke, Chairman of the Tennessee State Veterans Homes (TSVH) Board of Directors. “Our goal is to maintain the highest level of quality care and expert management that our veterans deserve, and that meets the approval of their families, consumers, and state and federal overseers.”

U.S. News uses data from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which sets and enforces standards for all nursing homes that receive federal funds through Medicare or Medicaid. CMS has given the Murfreesboro home a 5-star rating, the highest a nursing home can receive. Aside from health inspections, CMS ratings are based on nurse staffing and quality measures.

“This is a compliment to the people who serve our veterans at the state’s homes, as they consistently provide care and management reflecting best practices,” said Ed Harries, Executive Director of the state veterans homes. “We will continue to strive to provide our veterans and their families with quality care in a compassionate environment.”

The TSVH Board operates three homes in the state. Facilities at Knoxville and Humboldt have recently been recognized for excellence in the highest survey results and in superb ratings. Two additional homes are in planning stages, in Cleveland (Bradley County) and Clarksville (Montgomery County.) The newest home, in Knoxville, opened in 2006, while the Humboldt facility opened ten years earlier in 1996 and Murfreesboro in 1991. The TSVH board took over management of the homes in 2005, after twice contracting with private companies. Each facility has 140 beds.